After a long wait and much anticipation, Final Fantasy 16 launches on June 22nd, 2023. All the signs point to the epic JRPG being a return to form for the beloved big-budget Square Enix series. Seemingly taking a few pages out of the A Song of Ice and Fire books, Final Fantasy 16 is a darker approach to the medieval high fantasy RPG genre.
Its predecessors, like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 15, combine science fiction and magic to achieve their visions. Final Fantasy 16 shares more in common with Final Fantasy 12 and Western RPGs like The Witcher and Dragon Age. With anticipation at an all-time high for the new approach and vision, fans will want to know when they can start playing Final Fantasy 16.
Final Fantasy 16 Launch Time
As stated, Final Fantasy 16 launches June 22nd, 2023, but what time can fans start playing? Those who pre-purchased a digital copy of the game on the PlayStation 5 will notice a timer counting down to launch. The timer confirms that Final Fantasy 16 will launch worldwide at midnight for all regions. This means eager fans can play first thing on Thursday, 22nd, 2023, as long as the game has been pre-installed.
Final Fantasy 16 Pre-Load Times
Pre-orders for Final Fantasy 16 on the PlayStation Store can pre-install the game on June 20th, 2023. It will auto-download at midnight, assuming the following steps have been taken:
- Purchase the game and go to the Final Fantasy 16 game page via the Library.
- Select Your Collection, highlight, and select Final Fantasy 16.
- Click on the countdown timer underneath the Final Fantasy 16 logo.
- On the pre-ordered game page, ensure there is a tick on Select All and press OK so Final Fantasy 16 installs on June 20th, 2023.
Final Fantasy 16 File Size
With pre-loads set to go live on June 20th, 2023, fans must ensure they have enough space cleared on their SSD to run the game. According to PlayStation Game Size on Twitter, Final Fantasy 16 launches at 90.18 GB. However, players should be aware that this is the pre-patched version, and the size may increase as Square-Enix launches post-launch patches or any potential DLCs. It is advisable to clear at least 100 GB on the PS5 SSD to ensure that Final Fantasy 16 launches at midnight without a hitch.
Final Fantasy 16 launches June 22nd, 2023, on the PlayStation 5.